Being immensely good at something doesn't automatically mean you'll be any good at talking about it on TV.

Champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington made quite the splash as part of the BBC's commentary team in Rio last summer, however, with her winning girl-next-door persona - and, let's face it, that 'flirty' banter with co-commentator Mark Foster.

Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington arriving at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2016 held at The Tate Modern in London (Image: Ian West/ PA Archive/PA Images)

Soon, she'll be back on the box discussing her beloved sport once again, alongside Rio comrades Foster and Helen Skelton covering the FINA World Championships.

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But that's not all Adlington's set to be doing on TV screens across the country this summer. She's also been confirmed as one of the 20 famous faces who'll be battling it out to impress John Torode and Gregg Wallace in the new series of Celebrity MasterChef, with Gogglebox vicar Rev. Kate Bottley, due to start in August.

Helen Skelton, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster during the evening session of the swimming action at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on the second day of the Rio Olympics Games, Brazil (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Archive/PA Images)

Filming's all done and dusted, of course, and while Adlington and the other star hopefuls (Rachel Stevens, Vic Reeves and Tyger Drew-Honey are also on the line-up) are all sworn to secrecy about which celebs manage to chop, shallow-fry and flambe their way to the final stages, she will reveal that taking part was "so exciting!"

Rebecca Adlington will be on the new series of Celebrity MasterChef (Image: PA Photo/BBC/Endemol Shine Group)

"It's such a great show, it was an honour to be part of it," Mansfield-born Adlington, 28, enthuses.

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"I'm a home cook. I'm a pub sort of girl, rather than Michelin-star restaurant," says Adlington, who's also keeping busy with ambassador duties for pelvic floor health experts Innovo.

"As an athlete, you cook quick, healthy meals. Now I cook meals that me and Summer can both eat, normal everyday food. I try to have a balanced diet, but I often go for quicker meals just for convenience and ease.

"I learnt so much filming [MasterChef] though, and had such an amazing experience."

Becoming a mum to Summer, who turned two in June, has affected her approach to eating, she acknowledges. "Summer is quite fussy with her food, so it's been a challenge. She's just not into food like I am, or other kids. I have started cooking a bit more with her now she's two, so I'm hoping that will help and get her to experience other foods.

"It's mainly meat and vegetables she won't eat; certain textures she refuses to even try. She's started liking eggs lately, which I was glad about. She does like fruit, yoghurts etc, and she loves pesto pasta!"

Having been open about her own body-image struggles in the past, and experienced the devastating impact of being trolled on social media over her appearance, encouraging healthy habits and a strong sense of self-confidence in her daughter is really important to Adlington - and she knows this starts with her own attitude and behaviours.

"I definitely want to be a good role model to Summer. Everything I do, I think of how it affects her," explains the former athlete, who split from husband Harry Needs last year, though they remain on good terms. "That's why I want to lead a healthy lifestyle with food and exercise. I often work-out with her, which is fun."

While filming in Rio last August, Adlington was honest about how hard it was being away from her baby. A few days before she was due to fly home, she posted a video on Instagram showing Summer watching her mum on TV, which Adlington captioned with #missyou and #crying.

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While the separation's a struggle, her career is important, and she hopes she's setting a good example for her girl: "I want her to see me going to work and understanding about working hard too."

That said, there is no 'grand plan'.

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"I used to have a plan, but not so much now I have Summer. I want as much time with her as possible, and I've definitely learnt over the past few years that whatever I do plan, it never ends up like you expected!

Rebecca Adlington during the red carpet arrivals for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016 at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham (Image: Ian West/PA Archive/PA Images)

"I'm definitely in the middle of finding my feet again. I love being able to do different things, it makes it so interesting and fun.

"I would love to get into more sports presenting, but it takes time, patience and hard work, so I'm going to continue what I'm doing and hopefully it will pay off."

Rebecca Adlington

And whatever happens, she'll be setting aside time for switching off and having fun with her daughter.

"Me and Summer went to Spain in May, which was lovely. She loves the beach and playing in the sand," says Adlington. "I'm hoping to go away with her for a few days in August too, once I'm back from Budapest covering the World Swimming Championships."

Rebecca Adlington will be covering the Swimming World Championships, which begin on BBC Two on Saturday July 29. Celebrity MasterChef is due to return to BBC One in August.